COVID-19 vaccine boosters available for rangatahi 16 years and older

16- and 17-year-olds are now able to get a booster. You can get one six months after your second dose. If you’re aged 18 or over, and you had your second dose at least three months ago, you are now able to get a booster.

We encourage all whānau to get a booster, especially those who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 or who have a whānau member who is, such as immunocompromised. 

If you’ve contracted COVID-19, you can get a vaccination three months after you have recovered. After you get infected, your body builds up strong natural protection to COVID-19, so this isn’t the best time to get your booster. After three months, this protection decreases, and a booster becomes the best protection you have. However, if you are at high risk of severe disease if you catch COVID-19 again, it’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare professional for advice on the timing of your next dose.